Does My Teen Need Therapy?
Deciding to support your teen through therapy is a crucial step in nurturing their well-being. A a psychotherapist for teenagers, I often encounter parents unsure about whether or not their teen should attend therapy. Generally, I see two situations prompting this consideration: (1) your teen has expressed interest in therapy, or; (2) you, as a caregiver, are concerned about your teen's well-being and see therapy as potentially beneficial. Understanding the nuances of these scenarios can guide us in making informed and caring decisions regarding a teen's mental health.
Let’s delve into the first scenario: your teen approaches you and requests therapy. You might feel taken aback initially, wondering if therapy is truly necessary. In my experience, if therapy is financially feasible for your family and your teen has asked for it, my advice is straightforward: send them to therapy. Your teen may be grappling with challenges they aren’t comfortable discussing with you. Trust that they know what is best for them. No questions asked.
The second scenario is a bit more intricate: you suspect therapy could benefit your teen. Here, the first step is to ask your teen if they're open to therapy. They might have been contemplating it but hesitated to broach the subject. Asking them allows them to jump on board without feeling pressured to explain themselves. Fantastic – get them to therapy!
However, not every teen responds positively initially. If your teen seems hesitant, initiate open conversations about mental health that normalize seeking support. Share your own experiences with therapy, highlighting its benefits. If skepticism persists, consider exploring profiles of therapists specializing in teens in your area that might resonate with them. Encourage them to read these profiles and take advantage of consultation calls with therapists. If they decide not to proceed at the moment, respect their decision; it's okay.
If your teen outright declines therapy, don't push them. Teens who enter therapy against their will seldom benefit and may even become averse to the idea in the future. However, having open conversations at home about emotions, mental health, and therapy can instill in them the idea that seeking help is always an option.
Remember, every teen’s journey with therapy is unique, and their readiness to embrace it might take time. Honour your teen's autonomy while keeping communication lines open. Whether they're enthusiastic about therapy or prefer to postpone it, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and openness about mental health at home can be an invaluable support system for their well-being. And if you find yourself uncertain about the best course of action, seeking guidance from a counselor specializing in teens can offer invaluable insights and support.
If your teen wants to learn more about psychotherapy, check out my For Teens page!
